Timing is everything. Coordination of services, equipment/materials, and schedules is critical to controlling your bottom line in the construction business. FourSeasons is using Building Information Modeling (BIM) Coordination in the execution of projects so there are no surprises along the way that can cause a client to lose precious time or money.
Delays in the building process due to two trades (such as electrical and plumbing) being poorly timed or positioned on the job can quickly obliterate both the budget and schedule. Since the location of electrical components are dependent on where plumbing fixtures and piping are installed, which is dependent on ductwork locations, there is a dance that must be carefully adapted in order for the job to be completed efficiently.
The process of BIM Coordination and Clash Detection utilizes software that creates a digital model of the structure that will be built. With this software, the engineers are able to perceive, assess, and eliminate timing and design clashes in the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems before the project is even executed! Ultimately this helps contractors avoid costly delays that otherwise would result in late-stage changes to building design.
Is there a clash between the placement of two of the components? These are hard clashes. The design team must meet with the contractors and reconfigure the electrical work, the plumbing, or whatever service is causing the obstruction. Perhaps the components have enough room to function properly but there is not enough surrounding space to maintain and service the components properly; this is considered a soft clash, and again a reconfiguration needs to materialize so the job can stay on budget and on schedule.
Every builder knows that the “trickle effect” can cause the most delay in a project. The installation of one trade’s scope is dependent on the installation of the next. Workflow clashes can be as much of a budget-buster as ductwork that interferes with plumbing. BIM Coordination provides an overall analysis of all the moving parts of the job so the building schedule and costs can be predicted accurately.
By getting a complete service and component breakdown before the building even begins there is increased energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the construction process.
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